I’ve heard countless people use the oxygen mask analogy to explain why we need to take care of ourselves before we help others. You’re the first one to mention the fact that sometimes it comes off and we have to find it and put it back on. Great image, and so true!
I’ve heard countless people use the oxygen mask analogy to explain why we need to take care of ourselves before we help others. You’re the first one to mention the fact that sometimes it comes off and we have to find it and put it back on. Great image, and so true!
Thanks, Wendi. I’ve firstly heard the analogy from a Zen master.
And, in the past twelve months, I’ve convinced myself I had the oxygen mask. To then realise I had lost it. Then on again. Then off.
Asking myself whether I had ever changed. Whether I had ever had the oxygen mask in the first place.
So, I'm writing this piece not to forget. Not to deny the progress. Since now I have it. But I’ll most likely lose it again.
And, as I have shared in the past, “I must keep reminding myself of this”. https://livmkk.substack.com/p/i-must-keep-reminding-myself-of-this
Indeed. We will probably never be able to have the mask on all the time. Maybe acknowledging it is part of the process?
For me, I notice progress if:
1, I'm able to realise I need to put it on faster, minimizing the time without it
2, I have multiple proven ways that enable me to put it on in different situations
And also realising I don’t have it on. Which this is fine. And lead to take more care of myself in that moment, and be gentle.
Which ways help you to put it back on?
For me, is more of a long process, than something I can do in an instant.
I guess it depends on the level of oxygen I have. ;)
Here are some of the ways I use, some of them are quick, some of them take more time:
writing, meditation, yoga, run, dance, walk in nature, talking to a friend, talking to my therapist, travel, Vipassana.... I could go on ;)
Yoga is great. Napping works too ;)
Livio, Thank you for sharing. Life, indeed, is about progressing and regressing and progressi g again. You captured this beautifully. D
Thanks, Dave! I really appreciate your loyal following :)